As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Collections Representative I in the United States is $39,458 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Collections Representative I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
Recruit with AI
A Collections Representative I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Collections Representative I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Collections Representative I | 0-1 years | $39,458 |
| Collections Representative II | 1-3 years | $43,945 |
| Collections Representative III | 3-5 years | $48,628 |
| Collections Supervisor | 5+ years | $67,648 |
| VP of Collections | 5+ years | $236,546 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Collections Representative Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 17.84% |
| Credit Card | 2.74% |
| HIPAA | 1.1% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Management
|
$44,982 |
14%
|
|
Accounting
|
$44,193 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$43,798 |
11%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$43,009 |
9%
|
|
Analysis
|
$43,009 |
9%
|
|
Billing
|
$42,220 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Collections Representative Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Collections Representative I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $39,494 and $42,021).
Collections Representative I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 42.1% |
| Associates | 25.0% |
| Bachelors | 23.7% |
| Masters | 6.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Collections Representative I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Collections Representative I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Collections Specialist - Healthcare | $43,945 | 11% |
| Collections Representative II | $43,945 | 11% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Collections Representative I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Collections Representative I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Collections Representative I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Collections Representative I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Collections Representative I is $49,768.
The highest pay for Collections Representative I is $44,311.
The lowest pay for Collections Representative I is $32,301.
Responsible for initiating calls with delinquent customers by phone, mail or personal visit to collect payments and settle accounts. Follows-up delinquent accounts, updates and maintains accurate financial records including accounting, receivable, and credit records. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
